The Morning Friar – 2/23/11

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On paper, Jorge Cantu replaces Jerry Hairston Jr. as the super-sub on the Padres bench this season.

Although he can’t play shortstop, Cantu has been an Opening Day starter in the major leagues at three different infield positions — first, second and third. He has hit 101 homers with 460 RBI over 790 major league games.

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Chase Headley leads by example and, by his own admission, “by default.”

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Brad Hawpe isn’t concerned that a poor 2010 season Will Carry over into 2011.

The San Diego Padres first baseman feels like a move back to his original position from the outfield and good health will translate into success at the plate this season.

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A year ago, Everth Cabrera was one of the more discussed Padres in spring training.

His ceiling seemed as high as the Arizona sky. The Rule 5 draft phenom of 2009 was the Padres’ shortstop of the present and the future.

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The Dodgers have named their Opening Day starter.

San Diego manager Bud Black said Tuesday that he’s not quite ready to take that leap yet — even though the nod figures to go to 22-year-old Mat Latos, who last season was the Padres’ most dominant starter.

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